How to Grow Your Own Cannabis Plant

So if you haven’t heard, millennials love plants. Some have called it an “obsession,” others say it’s because plants are cheaper to raise and care for than children — which millennials less and less cannot afford. If you’re a millennial who loves weed, you may have considered adding a cannabis plant to your collection. Whether you want the experience of “growing your own,” or you’re looking for a baby bud to grow and care for, growing a pot plant at home is rather easy. After all, it’s called “weed” because it literally grows anywhere.

If this is your first shot at it, don’t expect to become your own cannabis supplier. That said, you may find the experience satisfying nonetheless, even if it’s just one baby plant in your bedroom.

Decide where you’ll grow your plant

Cannabis needs at least 12 hours of light per day to grow — and that’s a bare minimum. In the beginning of the grow cycle, it’s better to provide your plant with on average 19 hours of light a day. That means, you have two options, whether you want to use artificial or natural light: You can start to grow the plant by a well-lit window in the spring (when there’s more light than in the winter), and accept that it won’t get those 19 hours, or you can grow the plant using special grow lights so you can monitor just how much light it’s getting per day.

Get a good soil mix

You’ll be able to get decent soil from your local hydroponics or gardening shop. Soil mixed with perlite and/or vermiculite is a good bet, both of which increase water absorbency and keep your plants from getting “nutrient-burn,” which can happen with powerful soil. You’ll want, give or take, about 30 percent perlite and 13 vermiculite in your soil. You can also make your own soil, if you have a backyard and a composting system.

Ensure your plant is well-lit

If you’ve decided on using artificial light to grow your plant, opt for an LED light of about 24 watts. This option, however, is only good if you’re growing your plant in a very small place and the bulb is very close to the plant, itself. If you’re doing part sunlight, part artificial light, you can use a fluorescent bulb like a T5, T8, or CFL. Otherwise, you may also consider a 250-watt high-intensity discharge bulb, which comes in as either high-pressure sodium or metal halide, both of which you can find at a hardware store.

Provide your plant with ventilation

While the lights shouldn’t be too hot over the plant, you’ll still want to make sure your plant is getting fresh air. You can use a fan to provide your plant with some wind, which helps the plant grow strong and produce more cannabinoids and terpenes, while ensuring it’s getting enough CO2.

Get the right pot… for your pot

If you’re planting a seed, any small potter will do, until it grows up a bit. Then you’ll need to transfer the plant to a five-gallon bin. If you’re growing a clone that’s already sprouted, then start off with a bigger planter.

Nourish your plant with nutrients and compost teas

Go organic, whenever possible. You can choose a pre-made nutrient mix, or add in your own. During flowering time, for instance, your plant will need more phosphorus and less nitrogen. And in general, you’ll want to make sure it has a healthy amount of calcium, magnesium, and iron. You can also use compost or worm casting teas, if you’re feeling crafty and don’t want to buy a pre-made mix.

Water your plant

But don’t overwater. Don’t water your plant if the soil feels damp. Only water it when the soil is dry, and then drench it. If you follow this method, you won’t need to water everyday.